Coffee Break is a Christian devotional that is intended to help you in your relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ... and if you don't have a relationship with Him, we want to help you find out how to have one.

Friday, September 30, 2011

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way." Psalm 37:23

Often when we think about our steps being ordered, we think in terms of "where" they are ordered. As in the Lord ordering our steps in this direction or that direction, to this place or that place. But His ordering of our steps also means "when" they are ordered. Our steps are ordered to go at a particular time as well as to a particular place.

I know from experience that there have been times I knew the Lord was leading me in a matter, or I needed to be at a certain place, but I could not seem to get there when I started to go. Obstacles and hindrances kept coming in my way. When I finally did "get there", the timing could not have been any more perfect. I did not arrive at my destination one minute early or one minute late, but just at the right time.

We need to learn how to rest in the fact that our steps as believers are truly ordered by the Lord. He orders them where to go, but He also orders them when to go. Let me make it clear that I am not talking about laziness- just sitting back and never moving forward at all. I am talking about resting in the fact that as you are following the Lord, He will direct your steps to be where they need to be and when they need to be there. A perfect example is the story of Jesus and Lazarus. Jesus received word that Lazarus was ill and his sisters asked for Jesus to come and heal him. Jesus did not go immediately, as He had at other times when requested by someone to come and heal a person. He waited four days then He went. By that time Lazarus had already died. Both of Lazarus's sisters accused Jesus concerning His timing for coming, "Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died". In other words, "If You had come sooner he would still be alive, but You are late. Jesus was never late- or early, for that matter- Jesus was always on time. In our scheme of things Jesus was late, in God's scheme of things He was right on time. As a result of His waiting, yes, Lazarus died, but a greater miracle took place that day. And it happened because the Father ordered Jesus' steps, not just to the right place but to the right place at the right time.

The timing may look "off" to you, but just know that our time is not God's time and if we follow His timing, it will always be the "right time".

Have a great day. The Lord orders our steps to "where" they need to be, and "when" they need to be there.

and is sent to you free of charge for the asking fromAbout the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.Please feel free tocall (601) 833-5278 orEmail: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.netVisit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

"Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life." Genesis 45:5

Not everything in life goes the way we hope, desire or plan. Situations arise, plans get changed, things happen. We may not, and usually don't, understand why it is happening. I can only imagine what was going through Joseph's mind when his brothers took hold of him and threw him in a pit. From that moment on his world would forever change, all his dreams and hopes lay behind him, all his plans ended, his future looked uncertain.

When we read the story of Joseph, we are able to read it all at once. We can start at the beginning and skip to the end and know the outcome immediately. Being able to skip right to the end gives us the ability to see that God had a plan for all that happened to Joseph. Joseph did not have that advantage, he did not know from day to day what would happen to him. He did not know how his life was going to end. He didn't know while he was in the pit that he would one day be a ruler in Egypt.

Like Joseph, when we are going through situations that we don't understand, we don't have the luxury of knowing the outcome. I am sure that during the years in prison Joseph didn't see that there was a plan behind what was happening to him, but there was. Again, like Joseph, we can't always see that there is a plan at work behind what is happening to us. But there is. There was for Joseph and there is for us.

When we don't understand what is going on or why this thing is happening to us, we need to remember-- God has a plan. Don't let it shake you- God has a plan. Don't let it rattle you-- God has a plan. Don't worry- God has a plan. The situation may look bleak, but God has a plan. The furnace may be hot, but God has a plan. The lions may be roaring all around you, but God has a plan. The Red Sea may be before you, but God has a plan.

God is aware of what you are going through. It hasn't taken Him by surprise. And He will make all things- this included- work together for the good, because He has a plan.

Have a great. Whatever you are going through this morning, you may not understand it, you may not have the ability to see the outcome, but remember this- God has a plan, and this will work together for your good.

and is sent to you free of charge for the asking fromAbout the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.Please feel free tocall (601) 833-5278 orEmail: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.netVisit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

The dictionary defines the word mercy as: A refraining from harming or punishing offenders, enemies, etc. Kindness in excess of what may be expected. A disposition to give or be kind. The power to forgive or be kind; clemency. Kind or compassionate treatment. Blessings.

According to the definition, mercy is always directed toward an offender, enemy, a transgressor, etc. It wasn't until after Adam and Eve sinned against God by breaking His command that they needed mercy. When they sinned, God's mercy and grace stepped into the picture. Mercy withholds what is deserved. They deserved punishment, and while the consequences of their sins came upon them- they lost that intimate relationship with the Lord, a curse came upon them and the ground, they were driven out of the Garden, they had to sweat and toil in their work, they would begin to have pain, sorrow and suffering, and were under the death sentence and brought that sentence upon all mankind- the punishment for their sins would be placed on Jesus at the cross. This is where God's mercy and grace stepped into the lives of humanity. Our punishment was taken by Jesus (that's mercy) and the opportunity was given through His punishment for us to have forgiveness of our sins and everlasting life (that's grace).

God's mercy has stepped into our lives more times than we realize or could count. The greatest evidence of His mercy was when we came to Him in repentance for our sins and received Jesus as Savior and Lord. He did not turn us away and reject us. He forgave us and welcomed us into His family. And even now that we are His children, there are times when we fail, disobey or act stubborn, but God's mercy and grace are still being poured out on us by loving and forgiving us each time.

Beloved, if God has shown us so much mercy, should we not do the same to others? We have freely received His mercy, should we not also freely give it? He gave it to us when we were His enemies, when we were the offender, when we sinned against Him, should we not do the same to those who offend us? Yes we should.- for two reasons. 1) We should show mercy because we bear the likeness and character of our Heavenly Father. So as His children we should be like He is and do what He does. He is merciful, therefore, we should be merciful. 2) There is a Biblical principle that says- you reap what you sow. If we are not merciful, then we won't receive/reap mercy when we need it.

Today you need to check your "mercy level". Are you walking in mercy by being merciful with those who fail or have offended you? Are you giving to others the same mercy you have received? As God's child are you exhibiting His character to others by showing mercy? Or are you being merciless- taking revenge, holding a grudge, being cruel and unkind?

Have a great day. Mercy is not needed if there is no offense, but when there is-- are you merciful?

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezelland is sent to you free of charge for the asking fromAbout the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.Please feel free tocall (601) 833-5278 orEmail: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.netVisit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children." Hosea 4:6

There were two reasons why the Lord had a controversy with His people; these two reasons would bring their destruction. 1) Their lack of knowledge. The priest were not teaching them God's word or commandments, therefore, they were ignorant of God. Ignorance, especially of the Lord, His will and His ways, will lead to destruction. 2) The word that they did have, they rejected. This second one is the one I want to address this morning.

When we reject God's word, it will lead to destruction. One way is that it will open the door to the enemy of fear, doubt, confusion and unbelief. Without the word of God you have nothing to "fight" the enemy with so you fall prey to it by believing what it says. (Believing the lies of the enemy will destroy you.) Rejection of God's word also shows lack of faith- without faith it is impossible to please God and faith is the very foundation upon which we build our lives (we walk by faith, and the just shall live by faith).

How do we reject His word? Primarily by not believing what He says. But also we reject it when we don't heed it, obey it, pattern our lives after it and live by it. When we turn from God's word to our own ways, from following it and following our own desires, when we take it for granted as if it doesn't matter or apply to us, then we are rejecting it.

Jesus addressed this in the Sermon on the Mount in His story of the wise man who built his house upon the rock and foolish man who built his house upon the sand. The wise man was the one who had God's word as the foundation of his life and lived according to it. (This man was living by faith.) The wise man did not reject God's word, therefore, when the storms (the enemy) came he was not destroyed. His acceptance of God's word (faith) and application of it in his life kept him from destruction.

What are you doing with God's word? Are you rejecting it? Or are you living your life by it, making it the very foundation upon which your life is built?

Have a great day. When we accept and live by God's word, we will not be destroyed.

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezelland is sent to you free of charge for the asking fromAbout the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.Please feel free tocall (601) 833-5278 orEmail: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.netVisit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.

Monday, September 26, 2011

"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2

"Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross." What was the joy that was set before Jesus? Was it the suffering- He knew it was coming? Was it the shame that He would be subjected to? Was it the beating that He was going to have to endure? As an onlooker of the cross, what was there that He could have had joy about? There was nothing about it that even slightly resembled joy. It was a place of death, sorrow, grief and pain. Oh, but Jesus saw something more.

Jesus lived His life by faith just as we do- faith in His Father's word. By faith, He knew that what He would do at the cross would open up the door to make a way for us to now have access into the Father's presence and to live with Him forever. He knew that we could be reconciled to Him through His sacrifice at the cross.

He also knew that His suffering at the cross was the will of the Father. Doing His Father's will brought Him great joy because He knew how much the Father loves us and longs for us to be reconciled back to Himself. The thought of us living with Him in His house, the thought of pleasing the Father by doing His will, knowing how much the Father longed to have us as sons and daughters and that through what He would do at the cross it would become possible, this was the joy that He saw surrounding the cross. This was the joy that was set before Him and He endured the cross in order to obtain it. To Him, the joy outweighed the pain, shame and suffering.

Each time one of us accept Him as Savior and make Him Lord of our lives, His joy is again fulfilled. Has His joy been fulfilled in you?

Have a great day. The joy of doing the Father's will, the joy of providing the way for the Father's desire to be fulfilled, and the joy of making it possible for us to be able to live with Him forever gave Jesus the strength to endure the cross.

Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezelland is sent to you free of charge for the asking fromAbout the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.Please feel free tocall (601) 833-5278 orEmail: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.netVisit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.

Friday, September 23, 2011

"I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do." John 17:4

I was recently asked, "How do you glorify God?" This person was referring to doing some sort of work or service for the Lord. The Bible tells us that when Jesus healed the sick, cast out devils and raised the dead that the people rejoiced and glorified God. It also tells us that when our lights are shining brightly, others will see our good works and glorify God. But what about the days when we don't do any "works"? Some days there are no opportunities for ministry. So does that mean that we have done nothing to glorify God that day? Working for the Lord is not the only way of glorifying God.

Another way we glorify God is by accepting His Son Jesus as our Savior. When we put our trust and faith in what He did for us at the cross, when we have surrendered our lives to Him, when we are following Him, He is being glorified in our lives. In Jesus' prayer in the garden before He was arrested and taken to the cross, He said His hour had come and asked for the Father to glorify Him with the same glory He had before and that what He was about to do would glorify the Father. What was He about to do and how would it glorify the Father? Jesus was talking about paying the price for the sins of mankind once and for all. And through His death on the cross the Father would receive glory because many sons and daughters could come into His Kingdom.

So, yes, the Father is glorified when we do the works that point others to Him, but the Father is also glorified because our faith is in His Son. He is glorified because we believe on and in what He did for us. So on those days when it seems as if I am doing "nothing" for Him, this new life that I have received through faith in Jesus glorifies Him because it is a testimony to what He did for me.

Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezelland is sent to you free of charge for the asking fromAbout the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.Please feel free tocall (601) 833-5278 orEmail: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.netVisit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

"Now the Lord hath brought it, and done according as he hath said..." Jeremiah 40:3a

I was talking with someone the other day and they were concerned because the Lord was not speaking to them about a certain situation that they were going through. They were seeking Him for the truth so that they would know what they should do. But wasn't hearing from Him. The more I talked to this person I discovered that when the situation first started they went to the Lord about it and He gave them the answer and told them what to do. Now as they are seeking Him about it, He is being silent and not saying anything so they are disturbed by His silence on the matter.

As I told them, the Lord is silent because He has already told them what to do. They are seeking the answer and He has already given it to them. They are waiting for Him to speak and He already has, so He is not going to speak to them again about this matter. At this point whatever He would say would only be repeating Himself.

Like this precious person we don't always know how to interpret God's silence. But one interpretation is the same one as in this person's case- God is silent because He has already told them what to do. What is left is not for God to continually repeat Himself but for them to listen, believe Him and do what He has already said. Why should He tell us anything else, why should He continue to speak, what else is there for Him to say when He has already said it?

If the Lord is being silent to you about a situation, stop and think for a moment to see if He has already spoken to you about it. If He has, then there's the answer you have been waiting for and He is not going to keep telling you over and over again- or tell you something different. In His silence He is waiting for you to do, or believe and receive, what He has already said, then He will speak something else to you after that.

Have a great day. One interpretation of God's silence is-- He has already told you so He has nothing else to say and He is not going to keep repeating Himself.

For further reading:James 1:22Acts 4:4

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Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezelland is sent to you free of charge for the asking fromAbout the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.Please feel free tocall (601) 833-5278 orEmail: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.netVisit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." Hebrews 4:15

When we know someone who is going through a trying time, a time of hardship, grief or a trial, in trying to help comfort that person we often say to them, "I understand". When we say we understand, we can mean it in one of two ways. First, we understand what they are going through because we have been through it too. We are acquainted through personal experience with what they are going through. We have walked in those same shoes. When we say, "I understand", but don't have a clue what it "feels" like, what we really mean is that we understand why this trial is so difficult, why you are hurting, why you feel as if you can't go on. For example, I don't "understand" through experience what it is like to lose a child. But I do "understand" why someone who has would be devastated. It would have to be one of the greatest hurts you could experience. I don't understand "what" they are feeling, but I "understand" why.

I said all this to say that even though we may not "understand" through experience or have first "hand knowledge" of what someone else is suffering, there is one who does. He understands on a personal level. He understands it all. There is nothing that we will face or go through that He doesn't understand. His name is Jesus. Jesus is touched by the feelings of your weaknesses in a deep and personal way because He has more than just a "head knowledge understanding" of the hurt, the pain or the sorrow that you are experiencing.

You may be going through a grievous time this morning. There may be those who are trying to comfort and encourage you. Some of them understand because they have gone through the same thing, some of them have a sympatric understanding only, but remember there is one who has both- the understanding of where you are because He has been there and the understanding compassion of why this is not an easy thing for you. Look to Him this morning and let Him comfort you because He understands it all.

Have a great day. When Jesus says He understands- He understands personally from experience and from a sympatric understanding.

For further reading:Isaiah 53Psalm 103:13,14

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Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezelland is sent to you free of charge for the asking fromAbout the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.Please feel free tocall (601) 833-5278 orEmail: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.netVisit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.orgFind us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/About-the-Masters-Business/65205252525

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

"And the Lord said unto Moses, Thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel, Ye have seen that I have talked with you from heaven." Exodus 20:22

This is the most amazing thing that us human beings can experience-- "I have talked with you from heaven." Do you really understand what a wonderful thing that is? The God who created the universe, who calls the stars by name, who knows our thoughts even before we think them, this all powerful, all knowing, all wise God actually speaks to us mere mortals. When we consider who He is and who we are in light of who He is, it is amazing that He is even mindful of us- much less desire to talk with us. And not only talk with us, but have a relationship with us. And not just any relationship, but an intimate, personal one.

Some say that He doesn't talk to us. Some say that was only in the Bible. They are wrong on both accounts. He does talk to us. He talks to us through His Word, by His Spirit, through others, through creation around us, through a still small voice, and if He so chooses even audibly. And He still talks to us today. When man was first created, we see at the very beginning He was talking with him. Why would He stop? He doesn't change. If He talked to mankind then, He still does now.

If God didn't still talk to us, then why did Jesus go around talking to the people He came in contact with? If Jesus said that you have seen the Father- what He is like- when you have seen me, then we see through His life that the Father desires to talk with us and be actively involved in our lives. Jesus wasn't a recluse. He didn't live in isolation from the people. He didn't spend His time alone. He didn't keep people at an arm's length and have no contact with them. No, He talked to them. And He still does today.

He has chosen to talk to us. We should not take it for granted. And when He wants to talk to us we should be "all ears". Don't let any one convince you that He doesn't desire to talk to you. He does. So start listening for Him to speak to you, and enjoy the privilege of having a wonderful conversation with Him.

Have a great day. He still speaks to us from heaven.

For further reading:Hebrews 1:1,2Mark 4:9; 9:7

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Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezelland is sent to you free of charge for the asking fromAbout the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.Please feel free tocall (601) 833-5278 orEmail: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.netVisit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.

Monday, September 19, 2011

"... and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6:17b

My little granddaughter spent the night with me the night before last. When we got up yesterday morning, after we had a quiet moment to wake up and a time of prayer for our families, I decided to tell her about the armor of God (in three year old terms). So I told her that we are soldiers for Jesus and we needed to put on our armor. We physically went through the motions of putting on each piece. Afterwards, I told her that every time the devil tried to "make" her not mind her parents, or get angry, or be unkind for her to "hold" her sword out and tell him, "Devil, I am not going to disobey my mama; I am going to obey her". So all day long, each time I would see her doing any of those things, I told her, "Pull out your sword" and she would. After she did she would do the right thing.

I was thinking about that this morning, mostly thinking that there's a lot of Christians (and most of them adults) who need to be doing the same thing. They need to be pulling out their swords (the sword of the Spirit- the Word of God) and using it against the enemy. There are many of them who fall prey to his temptations.

We have been given spiritual weapons in which to fight against our enemy and not only fight him, but prevail. The Lord has provided the weapons. He even says that He will fight our battles for us. Jesus already got victory over him and has made us more than conquerors through His victory. And He left us an example of how to use the weapons that He has provided. Therefore, when we are in the time of temptation, we don't have to give in to it. And just like my granddaughter, after she pulled out her "sword", she did the right thing. So when the temptation to be angry, unkind, bitter, unforgiving, to cheat, to lie or steal, or whatever the temptation is- you need to "pull out your sword" and say... "It is written".

Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezelland is sent to you free of charge for the asking fromAbout the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.Please feel free tocall (601) 833-5278 orEmail: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.netVisit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.

Friday, September 16, 2011

"That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word." Ephesians 5:26

Hopefully, every person who is a born again believer reads their Bible every day- at least once. But I wonder if that is all we do-- just read it? That is all some people do. Some see reading their Bible as just part of some religious duty they must do because they are a Christian and that's what Christians do. They read it thinking they are going to get some sort of "spiritual brownie points" with God. Some read it because they enjoy reading its stories in the same way they enjoy any "good book" they pick up to read. God's Word is so much more than just a book we read because we are Christians. It's a cleansing agent.

God's Word is like "soap". It has the ability to wash and cleanse our spirits, minds, souls and heart. It can was away negative and erroneous thinking. It can wash away guilt and condemnation. It can wash away bitterness, unforgiveness, anger and hate. It can wash away doubt, fear and unbelief. And it will if we do more than just read it as black words on white paper. It will as we take it to heart, meditate upon its teachings and promises, and apply it to our lives by putting it into practice. It will wash away the spiritual dirt and grime-- the worldly influences, the lusts of the flesh, the devil's accusations.

You may read the Word (even daily), but are you taking a bath in it? Are you letting it wash and renew your mind? Are you letting it soften your heart? When you are hot and sweaty, there is something so refreshing about a bath. God's Word washes away the "dirt" that attaches itself to our lives as we walk through this world and it also brings refreshing- faith, hope and love.

Have a great day. Are you reading the Bible or taking a bath in it?

For further reading:James 1:22John 17:17

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Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezelland is sent to you free of charge for the asking fromAbout the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.Please feel free tocall (601) 833-5278 orEmail: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.netVisit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

"Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly." Proverbs 16:22

There will always be things that we don't understand. Even Solomon with all his wisdom did not understand some things. (Proverbs 30:18,19) But having an understanding of the things of God and spiritual principles is necessary to our spiritual growth and well-being. The Book of Proverbs is full of admonishment, commands and instruction concerning the importance of having understanding.

Some Christians believe that it is not meant for us to understand the things of God. Granted, there are some "mysteries" that we won't understand until this corruptible flesh puts on incorruption and this mortality puts on immortality. And until then there will always be some things that we know only "in part" because the understanding that we have is still like looking through a dark glass. Jesus addressed this subject with His disciples. In Matthew 13 He talked to them about spiritual things and Kingdom principles, then He asked them if they understood what He said. "Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord." (verse 51) In the same chapter Jesus told His disciples that they have been given the understanding to know these things, but the world hasn't been given that understanding. So, yes, He does want us to understand spiritual things.

So, what do we do if we don't understand; how do we get the understanding? The first thing you do is continue reading God's word. Don't get discouraged and put it down just because you don't understand it. Unless you continue reading it, you will never understand it. Also, you pray. You pray for the Lord to enlighten the eyes of your understanding. You pray for the spirit of wisdom and revelation. You ask the Holy Spirit to make your understanding fruitful and trust that He will lead you into the truth- because He will; He is the Spirit of Truth. Also, don't get impatient. Sometimes the understanding comes line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little- and eventually you will get the full "picture" of what the Lord is saying.

The Lord doesn't want us ignorant. He intends for us to understand spiritual things. And even though there will be some things that we don't understand until we see Him face to face, we have the promise that if we seek an understanding of spiritual things we will find it.

Have a great day. If you don't understand spiritual truths just ask... the Holy Spirit will help you to understand.

Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezelland is sent to you free of charge for the asking fromAbout the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.Please feel free tocall (601) 833-5278 orEmail: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.netVisit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

This morning I just want to talk about Jesus. He should be our main theme. He should be our focus. He should be the topic and subject of our conversations. He should be the sum of our thoughts and the foundation of our vocabulary. We should wake up with our minds on Him, and go to bed with the same. He should be our reason for doing what we do. "In Him we live, and move and have our being." (Acts 17:28)

He is the lover of our souls. The captain of our salvation. Our redeemer who lives. He is the risen Lord. The King of kings and Lord of lords; the King of glory. The beginning and the end. The starting point and the ending point. Without Him we can do nothing, but through Him we can do all things. He is our strength and song and has become our salvation. He is the glory and lifter of our heads. He will never leave us, nor forsake us. He will be with us always, even guiding us when death comes to take us. We will not have to fear evil because His rod and staff comfort us. He is our Good Shepherd who gave His life for the sheep. He is the conquering king. The Lion of Judah and the Lamb of God. He forgives all our sins and heals all our diseases.

With Him nothing is impossible, or too difficult. He is able to do exceeding, abundantly above all we can ask or think. He is able to keep what we commit to Him. His ways are not our ways, neither are His thoughts our thoughts, but they are higher than the heavens are above the earth.

I could go on. Talking about Him- who He is and what He does- could go on forever because He is the eternal one. But I will stop here and leave you with this: take time each and every day to meditate upon this great, wonderful, all-powerful and glorious Lord we have the privilege of knowing and you will fall in love with Him all over again each time you do.

Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezelland is sent to you free of charge for the asking fromAbout the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.Please feel free tocall (601) 833-5278 orEmail: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.netVisit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

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Tuesday, September 13, 2011

"Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul." Ezekiel 3:19

The other morning I was at Wal-Mart. I had just left the store and as I was headed across the parking lot to get in my vehicle I had to stop and wait because the vehicle in front of me was backing out of its parking spot. Just as it started backing out, I noticed another vehicle that was parked directly behind it started backing out too. They were both about to rear-end each other. I started waving my arms and yelling at the driver-- "STOP! STOP! STOP!" Thankfully, he heard me, stopped and pulled forward avoiding a crash.

The odd thing about the whole situation was that the exact same thing had just happened the week before. As I was walking across this same parking lot two vehicles in front of me started backing out of their parking spots at the same time about to back into each other. Since I was witnessing a crash in the making, I yelled for them to stop while waving my hands to get their attention. Their crash was avoided also.

As I got to my vehicle I pondered the fact that this was twice in two weeks that the same thing happened and asked the Lord if there was anything "significant" about it. Yes, it was. I want to share with you what He spoke to me.

Mankind without Christ is lost. They are heading for a "crash" (death- eternal separation from God). Because they are in darkness they don't see what awaits them (like the driver's of the vehicles- they couldn't see the crash that was about to happen to them.) I was in a perfect position to see what was about to happen to these vehicles, therefore, I was able to warn them. (Because I know Christ and am walking in the light, I am in a position where I see the truth about what will happen to those who are lost without Christ.)

We see people around us all the time who are heading for a "crash" spiritually/eternally, but what are we doing about it? I could have kept my mouth shut, gone on about my own business and not tried to warn these people that they were going to have an accident. But I didn't. I stood in a parking lot full of people yelling and waving my arms like a "crazy" person. I let pride go in order to warn them. As a result the accident was avoided, and the man in the first vehicle turned to thank me.

Because we see the truth, and those who are in darkness don't, we must lay aside all pride, all prejudice, all self-absorption, all dignity, anything that would keep us from warning the lost about what awaits him. I didn't care how I looked, what people thought or said, I just knew that something bad was about to happen and I was in a position to stop it. Something "bad" (that's an understatement) will happen to those who die without Christ and you and I who know Him are in a position to warn them so that it doesn't happen. Are we warning them to "stop" and turn to Christ?

Have a great day. When we see people heading into eternity lost without Christ, are we warning them?

Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezelland is sent to you free of charge for the asking fromAbout the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.Please feel free tocall (601) 833-5278 orEmail: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.netVisit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.

Monday, September 12, 2011

"And they utterly destroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword." Joshua 6:21

When the children of Israel came out of Egypt on their way to the land that the Lord had promised them, we read that they had to fight many battles against the inhabitants in the wilderness and in the promise land. The command that the Lord gave them was to utterly destroy them all- the kings, every man, woman, boy and girl. They were not to take any captives. When you first read this it sounds very cruel and unloving, especially the part about killing even the children and babies. I am not going to address whether it was cruel or not, I want us to look at it from a spiritual point of view this morning. There is a spiritual parallel to this command to "utterly destroy all" that we need to heed.

I was thinking about this the other day and wondering about not taking the babies captive. After all, they were little tiny babies- what threat could they possibly be. They were helpless, defenseless, weak and unable to do any harm. But the more I thought about it I realized that someone would have to "nurse" those babies. Those nursing babies were not just babies- they were enemies, and they wouldn't stay little long. They wouldn't always be those "cute" little babies that they could "carry" around in their arms. They would grow up and get stronger and stronger. Therefore, they had to be destroyed.

The spiritual parallel that I see here is that if we allow even the "smallest" sin to remain in our lives, even though it may seem "innocent", little and unthreatening at the time, and don't "drive it out" and "utterly destroy" it, eventually we will begin to "nurse" it and it won't stay little long. Once you start "nursing" it, that "small" sin will begin to grow and become a greater enemy in your life.

We need to learn a lesson from what was commanded to them in the natural and apply it to our lives when dealing with the enemy of sin and not be sympatric with sin- no matter how small and unthreatening it may look because one day it will be a bigger enemy.

Have a great day. Sin is our enemy and once we start nursing even a small sin, it will turn it into a bigger, stronger enemy.

For further reading:1 Corinthians 5:6Galatians 5:9Song of Solomon 2:15

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Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezelland is sent to you free of charge for the asking fromAbout the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.Please feel free tocall (601) 833-5278 orEmail: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.netVisit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.

Friday, September 9, 2011

Often while reading the Psalms we come upon this word- Selah. As I looked up its meaning, I discovered that the meaning wasn't too certain. The definition I did find was that it was a technical musical term probably showing accentuation, pause, interruption. Let me give you my definition (what it means to me). My definition is- pause, stop and ponder what has been said or what has been done.

There are what I call "Selah" moments in our lives- times when we need to take some time to stop and ponder what the Lord is saying to us. Sometimes we get so busy that we don't stop long enough to actually listen to what He is saying. We usually "assume" we know what He said and meant. We need to take a "Selah" moment and be quiet and listen to everything He is saying so we get the full meaning.

Other "Selah" moments are those times when we need to stop and ponder what He has done for us. It's those times when instead of just talking about what the Lord has done, we stop and think about what that really means. When I talk about what a beautiful day it might be, I find myself taking a "Selah" moment by pausing to thank the Lord for allowing me to see it.

More "Selah" times come when I am reading the Bible. There will be times when I am reading and a particular verse will speak to my heart. I just have to stop and ponder what He is saying to me through the verse. I sit there "chewing" the word and giving it time to "digest" in my spirit before I continue. In that "Selah" moment the scales are removed from my mind and heart and I am enlighten and encouraged.

Do you have those "Selah" moments? Are there times you just stop and think about what the Lord has done? Do you pause to give Him praise? Are you taking time to ponder what He may be saying to you? "Selah" moments tend to keep me from taking things for granted- like His goodness, His blessings, His word, His love and His faithfulness.

Have a great day. You need to take "Selah" moments everyday.

For further reading:Psalm 24:10; 46:10Luke 10:39-44

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezelland is sent to you free of charge for the asking fromAbout the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.Please feel free tocall (601) 833-5278 orEmail: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.netVisit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

"Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died." John 11:21

For the last couple of days we have been talking about the faithfulness of God. I have reminded you that He is faithful no matter what we are going through and He is faithful to keep His word no matter what tries to stand in His way and keep Him from fulfilling it. This morning I want to talk about "questioning" His faithfulness.

There are situations we go through that cause us to question the faithfulness of God. There are situations that cause us to wonder if He really cares and really loves us. When I read the verse above, I can hear Martha's questions behind her comment. I hear her heart saying, "If you really loved my brother, if you really cared about him, if you really are who you say you are, and we believe you are, then why didn't you come sooner? Why weren't you here for us in our time of need? Where were you when we called for you? Why did you wait? Why did you let this happen?". If we are honest we have to admit that there are times when we have wondered the same thing.

There are situations that we face that cause us to question the Lord's faithfulness and love. There are times when it looks as though He has let us down. There are times when it looks as if He has not been faithful to keep His promise. My answer for those times is that we get our eyes off of the situation and off of what we are going through and turn our focus on the cross.

If you ever doubt, or question, His love for you, His concern, His faithfulness, then look at the cross. Once you do all questioning has to vanish. We can't look at the cross and not know that He loves us and cares about us. We can't look at the cross and continue to question. The cross is the proof of His love, concern and faithfulness. The cross is where He demonstrated all three-- and there is no greater demonstration. Your situation will show you otherwise, but if you will get your eyes off of it and place them on the cross you will see that He truly is faithful. Your situation will also speak to you, It will tell you that the Lord is not faithful and that He does not love you or care about you. You can't listen to your situation, you have to listen to what the cross is saying- it says,"I love you; I care; I am faithful."

Have a great day. If you are questioning the Lord's faithfulness and love look at the cross, not your situation, and you will see that He really does love and care about you and that He is faithful.

For further reading:John 11

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Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezelland is sent to you free of charge for the asking fromAbout the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.Please feel free tocall (601) 833-5278 orEmail: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.netVisit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)" Hebrews 10:23

Yesterday we talked about the faithfulness of God. This morning I want to remind you that He is faithful to His promises- He will do what He has said He will do.

He is not like we are when it comes to keeping His word. Some people will tell you that they are going to do something and know that they are lying to your face- they never intend to do it. The Lord is not like that- He does not lie.

Sometimes people will tell you what you want to hear in an effort to appease you but really don't mean what they are saying, or promising. The Lord never does that- He always says what He means and means what He says.

Then you have those who make promises in the "heat of the moment". They really think they are going to fulfill their word but never seem to get around to it. The Lord never does, or says, anything in haste. Everything He says is perfectly thought out through the counsel of His own will. He knows if He says it, He will do it.

You also have those who will make you a promise with all intentions of fulfilling it but circumstances arise that prevent them from doing so. They get hindered by things that get in the way. The Lord never gets hindered. If anything gets in His way, He just moves it out of the way. God made a promise to the children of Israel to deliver them out of Egypt and into the land of promise. As they were making their way out of Egypt they came upon the Red Sea. It stood between them and the fulfillment of His promise. Did the Lord say, "Oh, no, sorry guys, I didn't think about this sea. It is standing in the way so it looks like I won't be able to keep my word to deliver you."? No, He just "moved" the hindrance out of the way. He parted the sea so that it no longer stood in the way of Him fulfilling His word.

May I also remind you this morning that He is the same yesterday, today and forever- He does not change. He does not change in His faithfulness to keep His word and make good His promises. So the bottom line is this: if He has said it, if He has made the promise, He will keep it and nothing can stand in His way.... not even a sea.

Have a great day. Hindrances don't stop the Lord from keeping His promise... He just moves them out of the way.

For further reading:Exodus 14Numbers 23:19Ephesians 1:11

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Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezelland is sent to you free of charge for the asking fromAbout the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.Please feel free tocall (601) 833-5278 orEmail: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.netVisit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

I woke up this morning thinking about the Lord's faithfulness. How grateful I am that He does not change and is always faithful. He remains faithful even when we aren't. Our inconsistencies, our failures, our shortcomings, our mistakes, our sins, our unbelief, our ups and downs, highs and lows don't change His faithfulness. I can't even count the number of times I have failed and fallen short, but through all of them He has not failed to show me His faithfulness.

He is faithful to meet and supply all my need. He is faithful to give me the victory over my enemies. He is faithful to bless me with peace, joy, grace and every good and perfect gift. He is faithful to lead me, guide me and direct me. And even though there are times when I do not listen to His voice leading me in the way I should go but choose to go my own way instead, He still remains faithful and the next time I call upon Him for guidance He so graciously gives it to me.

He is faithful no matter where I am or what I am going through. He is faithful to walk with me when I go through the fire, when I go through the storm, when I face the valley of the shadow of death, when I am on the mountaintop or in the wilderness, when I face giants or the cares of this life try to consume me. What else can I say... He is just FAITHFUL!

When was the last time you pondered the Lord's faithfulness? Why not take time today to think about all the ways and times that He has been faithful to you... and thank Him for it while you are at it.

Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezelland is sent to you free of charge for the asking fromAbout the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.Please feel free tocall (601) 833-5278 orEmail: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.netVisit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.

Monday, September 5, 2011

"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah." Psalm 68:19

Just sharing an observation this morning. Have you ever noticed that the Lord's blessings are not ordinary in size or proportion? He doesn't give us a standard measure or just a sample of anything. Everything He gives us is "exceeding abundantly above". For example- He doesn't just give us "life"; He gives us "abundant life". He doesn't just give us "peace"; He gives us "peace that passes understanding". He doesn't just give us "joy"; He gives us "joy that's unspeakable and full of glory". He doesn't just give us "strength"; He gives us "perfect strength". He doesn't just give us "love"; He gives us "everlasting love". He doesn't just give us "wisdom"; He gives us "pure wisdom". And He doesn't just meet part of our needs, He meets them all, and in proportion to His riches not in proportion to the size of our need.

What a wonderful, loving Heavenly Father. He is not stingy with any of His blessings that He bestows on us. He always gives us more than we could hope for-- "good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over". Let's not be stingy with our praise and thanksgiving for all His goodness to us.

Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
Please feel free to
call (601) 833-5278 or
Email: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net
Visit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Dear All,
Thank you for your prayers and notes concerning my husband. The procedure went well and the doctor was pleased with the outcome. I am rejoicing in God's goodness and faithfulness.
I am posting Wednesday's CB on the blog for those of you who didn't get it. There was no CB sent out on Thursday.
Thank you again. Love and blessings in Christ, Lorraine
______________________________________________

When I was a little girl, if I got sick I can remember laying on the couch or bed and wanting my daddy to read the Bible to me. There was something about hearing it read that made me feel good.

Now that I am an adult that hasn't changed. When I am not feeling well, when sickness touches my body, when I am going through a situation, when trouble hits my life, when the storm threatens to destroy me, when darkness tries to overwhelm me, I still turn to God's word for comfort and strength in the situation that I am facing. There is something about hearing a word from the Lord that makes everything better. It clears up the confusion. It strengthens my heart. It settles my thoughts. It brings peace and rest to the turmoil that is raging around me.

Whatever you may be facing, the answer, the strength to make it through, the comfort that you need is found within the pages of the Bible. Its words are life, health and peace. Its words bring comfort and joy. Its words bring light so that you don't have to stumble around in darkness and confusion.

I wanted to hear God's word when I was a little girl with a need and now that I am a "big girl" I still want to hear God's word in my time of need. I have never outgrown the need for God's word. If you think that you are "all grown up" now and don't need His word- you have become too educated, too smart, too mature, too old, too rich, too popular- then you are sadly mistaken, there will never be a time when you don't need His word in your life.

Have a great day. You never outgrow your need for God's word.

For further reading:
Psalm 119:81,103,105,165
Proverbs 4:20-22

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Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
Please feel free to
call (601) 833-5278 or
Email: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net
Visit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." Psalm 23:4

This is probably one of the most well known portions of scripture in the Bible. But when you read it, the first part of the verse doesn't sound very encouraging. It speaks of walking through scary places, shadows, places of death, separation, and evil. These are all places that each and everyone of us have walked through, or will, at one time or other. The encouraging part of the verse is that when we walk through them, we are not walking alone.

The Good Shepherd is walking with us. "The Lord is my shepherd". Not only is He walking with us, but He is leading us gently through them. He has His rod and staff in hand to loving nudge us along our way and reassure us that He is there.

I want to encourage you this morning that regardless of where you may be "walking"- through the valley, through shadowy places, places where death is hanging low, in the presence of evil- you do not have to be afraid because you are not walking by yourself. So do not fear, He is with you.

Have a great day. When we walk through fearful places, we do not have to be afraid because the Lord is walking with us.

For further reading:
Psalm 23

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Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
Please feel free to
call (601) 833-5278 or
Email: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net
Visit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org

You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.